In the realm of car insurance, there's a critical component that often goes overlooked by many drivers: Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM). This coverage can help provide financial defense against the unpredictable reality of encountering an uninsured or underinsured driver during a car accident. The importance of UM coverage cannot be overstated. This article aims to demystify UM coverage, breaking down its essentials and illustrating its importance.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
UM coverage is designed to help protect you, the insured driver, from the financial repercussions of auto accidents caused by drivers who lack adequate insurance. UM can include two primary components: Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage (UMBI) and Uninsured Motorist Physical Damage (UMPD), but not all states offer both coverages.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UMBI)
UMBI helps cover your medical expenses following an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Be advised that UM and UIM are two separate coverages. In many states, insurance agents or brokers are required to offer you this coverage, which provides an important layer of financial protection. Notably, your auto insurance company may offer to match the UMBI coverage limits to your Bodily Injury (BI) liability coverage limits.
Uninsured Motorist Physical Damage coverage (UMPD)
UMPD is your vehicle’s protection, which helps cover repairs needed due to the negligence of an uninsured driver. This coverage comes with a deductible. This coverage may help your peace of mind when dealing with burdensome repairs when the at-fault party lacks sufficient coverage.
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FAQs
Q: Does uninsured motorist insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?
A: If your vehicle doesn’t carry collision coverage, then you may want to purchase UMPD for the damage to your car. Some states require every driver to carry UMPD. A deductible may apply. However, not every state will consider a hit-and-run accident an uninsured driver incident, so make sure to contact your agent/broker for information on your state’s laws and that of your policy’s requirements.
Q: How do I make an uninsured motorist claim?
A: You simply call your insurance carrier to report the claim.
Q: Which states require Uninsured Motorist coverage?
A: At least twenty states and the District of Columbia require UM coverage, including the jurisdictions listed below. Beware that laws frequently change.
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
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